The kinetic specificity of polyethylene terephthalate degradation in the living body

Abstract The kinetic specificity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation in a living body was investigated. The polyethylene terephthalate net implanted subcutaneously in the backs of rabbits and dogs usually degrades from the surface very slowly. The time of complete degradation of PET fibers in both dogs and humans amounts to 30 ± 7 yr. The time for loss of 50% of the initial filament strength under similar conditions is 10 ± 2 yr. An equation for promotion of changes in the mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate fibers in living animals and humans has been derived.